MHK wants Government to reconsider allowing virtual airlines

Wed, 15 Mar 2017

An MHK has questioned whether virtual airlines should be allowed to operate on the Isle of Man.

CityWing was forced into liquidation last week after the airline that operated its routes was grounded over safety concerns.

Ramsey member Lawrie Hooper asked Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer to reconsider whether such companies should be allowed to operate out of Ronaldsway, particularly on key strategic routes.

The Minister confirmed it is something which will be looked into in due course, but that securing replacement operators for CityWing's routes is his current priority.

Virtual airlines aren't regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, while customers aren't ATOL protected when flying with such an operator.